Did you know the U.S. legal cannabis industry is projected to hit around $30.5 billion in revenue by 2026? That’s a massive economic force! In a landscape where Black women often face employment challenges, it’s incredibly inspiring to see them not only entering but leading in this rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar market.
Breaking Barriers in Cannabis
While the image of cannabis ownership might still lean male, a powerful wave of Black women entrepreneurs is changing the narrative. Supported by communities like Cannabis in Black, these women are launching thoughtful, creative businesses and bringing a much-needed diversity to the forefront of the industry.
From coast to coast, these trailblazers are making their mark. Whether you’re in their neighborhood or planning a visit, here are 7 Black women-owned cannabis dispensaries you should definitely know about. Let’s show them some love and tell them ESSENCE sent you!
Meet the Trailblazers:
MATAWAN | Brooklyn, NY
Fun Fact: Matawana holds the distinction of being the first Black woman-owned dispensary in Brooklyn, and they proudly deliver across the entire borough. Their vibe? “From seed to staff, we carefully select products that meet our high standards for purity, potency and safety.” Expect clear labels, educational resources, and expert staff to guide your choices.
MARY & MAIN | Capital Heights, MD
Fun Facts: Co-founder Hope Wiseman, a Spelman College grad, became the youngest Black woman dispensary owner in the U.S. when she and her mother, Dr. Octavia Wiseman, opened in 2018. The Vibes: They offer a wide range of products from pre-rolls to vapes and edibles, with a robust medical menu. Plus, their events, like brunches and yoga gatherings, sound like a blast!
GORILLA RX | South Central Los Angeles, CA
Fun Fact: In a city with around 200 dispensaries, Gorilla RX is one of the few Black women-owned establishments. The Vibes: With a slogan like “Black women get us higher,” they’ve captured attention. This family-inspired space is rooted in community and offers services like assistance with California medical marijuana card applications, plus cool merch.
BLISS + LEX | New York City (Upper East Side)
Enlightening Fact: Founders Nicole and Chris Lucien, a husband-and-wife duo, are acutely aware of the negative impact cannabis prohibition has had on the Black community and are actively working to make a difference through their business. The Vibes: Discover a diverse selection of edibles, pre-rolls, flowers, vapes, topicals, and drinks from various brands. Their blog also offers interesting reads on the history of 4/20.
POSH GREEN CANNABIS BOUTIQUE | San Francisco, CA
Fun Fact: Posh Green is the first independently owned Equity Retail Cannabis Dispensary in San Francisco by a woman of color. The Vibes: This luxury boutique focuses on high-quality products, offering daily deals, sponsoring community events, providing cannabis education, and even Sunday delivery services.
YERBA DE LA BUENA | Brooklyn, NY
Fun Fact: The brand’s engaging, education-first website was just relaunched in March 2026. The Vibes: This Afro-Latina husband-and-wife team claims their products are always packed to order at their peak, ensuring freshness. Everything is prepared just for you, every time.
JOSEPHINE & BILLIE’S | Los Angeles, CA
Fun Fact: This unique establishment aims to transport visitors back to the 1920s and 1930s, evoking the spirit of “teapads” where Black communities could safely gather for jazz and cannabis. The Vibes: An elevated cannabis experience in a space named after icons Josephine Baker and Billie Holiday? Sign us up!
Which of these incredible Black women-owned dispensaries are you adding to your list? Let us know in the comments below!
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